I have a 2004 B6 130tdi with multitronic, that Im very used to. I have the S mode as well as D (i understand early versions only had D) as well as tiptronic controls, both at the gearstick and at the Steering wheel.
My best mate however, just picked up a gorgeous 05 black B7 1.8T with multitronic this week..
and what neither of us expected were the differences..
He doesnt have the steering wheel controls - fair enough, that was an option.
BUT - the multitronic is no longer the smooth seamless flow that it was!
It appears that in order to pander to popular taste, and the 'feel' of a conventional auto or DSG, the box no longer behaves as a CVT, but has been programmed to behave like a normal auto.
To clarify - on mine, in drive or in S, the revs will go to whatever point the power demanded dictates, and remain there without wavering - while the speed catches up perfectly smoothly.. If I switch to tiptronic mode though, it acts like a normal 6 speed box, changes to the next ratio being triggered by the various tiptronic controls, or by kickdown, or it will change itself at the appropriate revs, just like a DSG.
On his new one - the Box ALWAYS acts like mine does in tiptronic mode - with the 'simulated' gear ratios, acting and feeling like a traditional auto.. Its also changed to 7 ratios instead of the 6 on mine.
We were both a little disappointed - while his is just as rewarding in tiptronic mode, taking control - it now lacks the finesse and smoothness in normal driving that the older multitronic has..
Its not a huge issue, just seems almost a shame - the old one gives you the best of both worlds - the new is still a lovely box, but just has artificially masked what was a great attribute.
Mind you.. that B7 does look GREAT in Black, alu trim and window trim, RS4 type 18" wheels.. yum!
My best mate however, just picked up a gorgeous 05 black B7 1.8T with multitronic this week..
and what neither of us expected were the differences..
He doesnt have the steering wheel controls - fair enough, that was an option.
BUT - the multitronic is no longer the smooth seamless flow that it was!
It appears that in order to pander to popular taste, and the 'feel' of a conventional auto or DSG, the box no longer behaves as a CVT, but has been programmed to behave like a normal auto.
To clarify - on mine, in drive or in S, the revs will go to whatever point the power demanded dictates, and remain there without wavering - while the speed catches up perfectly smoothly.. If I switch to tiptronic mode though, it acts like a normal 6 speed box, changes to the next ratio being triggered by the various tiptronic controls, or by kickdown, or it will change itself at the appropriate revs, just like a DSG.
On his new one - the Box ALWAYS acts like mine does in tiptronic mode - with the 'simulated' gear ratios, acting and feeling like a traditional auto.. Its also changed to 7 ratios instead of the 6 on mine.
We were both a little disappointed - while his is just as rewarding in tiptronic mode, taking control - it now lacks the finesse and smoothness in normal driving that the older multitronic has..
Its not a huge issue, just seems almost a shame - the old one gives you the best of both worlds - the new is still a lovely box, but just has artificially masked what was a great attribute.
Mind you.. that B7 does look GREAT in Black, alu trim and window trim, RS4 type 18" wheels.. yum!
